
36
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
the estimate; how vain the endeavor to measure with mathematical
rules, time, money, and love, against a love so immeasurable and
a gift of such inconceivable worth. Tithes for Christ! 0, meager
pittance, shameful recompense for that which cost so much!
From the cross of Calvary, Christ calls for an unreserved conse-
cration. All that we have, all that we are, shOuld be devoted to
God."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 188.
3.
The priesthood after the order of MelLisedec, king of
Salem, is that royal order after which Christ is now our great
High Priest. -Under this order tithe-paying is a part of the serv-
ice of the worshiper. So, too, it was under the Levitical order.
Thus, from the call of Abraham, which was the preaching of the
gospel to him as father of the faithful, on to the end we find
tithe-paying a part of the Scripture record. By the Scriptures
studied, it is shown that all along the obligation, or rather the
privilege, of returning a tenth to the Lord, is clearly made known.
Besides this, free-will offerings were to be given. It is made very
evident that the acceptance by any person of the privileges of the
gospel, lays him under certain obligations, among which is that
of paying a tithe of all his increase into the treasury for the
support of God's work. in the earth. This portion is reserved by
God; it "is the Lord's," ever consecrated "holy unto the Lord."
4.
It should ever be borne in mind that compliance with any of
these sacred duties, such as tithe-paying, or baptism, or even
Sabbath-keeping, in itself can not commend us to God. These
things are the fruits of living faith. And the same faith will
bring forth the fruits of mercy, judgment, and love for God and
man. The rebuke of Christ addressed to the Pharisees applies to
any to-day who, like them, pass over the weightier principles of
the law, even though they may be very scrupulous in outward form.
",These ought ye to have done, and riot to leave the other undone."
5.
" The magnitude of our work calls for willing liberality
on the part of the people of God. In Africa, in China, in India,
there are thousands, yes, millions, who have not heard the message
of the truth for this time. They must be warned. The islands
of the sea are waiting for a knowledge of God. . . . The Lord
has made us His stewards. He has placed His means in our hands
for faithful distribution. He asks us to render to Him His own.
He has reserved the tithe as His sacred portion, to be used in send-
ing the gospel to all parts of the world. My brethren and sisters,
confess and forsake your selfishness, and bring to the Lord your
gifts and offerings. Bring Him also the tithe that you have with-
held. Come confessing your neglect. Prove the Lord, as He has
invited you to
do."—"Testimonies for the Church," volume 9,
pages 51, 52.